Skip to content
24 August 2026

A practical guide to crypto investing for beginners

Discover the essential strategies for crypto risk management and start investing with confidence

A practical guide to crypto investing for beginners

Crypto risk management is a crucial aspect of investing in cryptocurrencies, as it helps to minimize potential losses and maximize gains. Position sizing is a key component of risk management, as it involves determining the optimal amount of capital to allocate to each investment. This is typically based on the investor’s

In addition to position sizing, drawdown limits are also essential for managing risk. A drawdown limit refers to the maximum amount of capital that an investor is willing to lose on a particular investment. By setting a drawdown limit, investors can help to prevent significant losses and avoid liquidity squeezes which can occur when a large number of investors attempt to sell their assets at the same time.

Rebalancing and Custody Choices

Rebalancing is another important aspect of crypto risk management, as it involves periodically reviewing and adjusting an investor’s portfolio to ensure that it remains aligned with their investment goals and risk tolerance. This may involve rebalancing the portfolio by buying or selling assets, or adjusting the custody choices to ensure that the assets are being held in a secure and reliable manner.

Custody choices refer to the way in which an investor’s assets are held and protected. This can include exchange-based custody where the assets are held on a cryptocurrency exchange, or self-custody where the investor holds the assets themselves. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and investors should carefully consider their options before making a decision.

Exchange vs. Self-Custody Risk

When it comes to custody choices, investors must weigh the risks and benefits of each option. Exchange-based custody can provide a convenient and user-friendly way to buy and sell assets, but it also carries the risk of counterparty exposure where the exchange may be subject to hacking, insolvency, or other forms of failure. On the other hand, self-custody can provide greater control and security over an investor’s assets, but it also requires a higher level of technical expertise and can be more time-consuming to manage.

To help investors navigate these risks, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the potential risks and benefits associated with each option. The following checklist can help investors to evaluate the risks and benefits of exchange-based custody versus self-custody:

  • Counterparty exposure: Is the exchange subject to hacking, insolvency, or other forms of failure?
  • Security: Are the assets being held in a secure and reliable manner?
  • Convenience: Is the custody option convenient and user-friendly?
  • Control: Does the investor have control over their assets?

Responding to Liquidity Squeezes

Liquidity squeezes can occur when a large number of investors attempt to sell their assets at the same time, resulting in a rapid decline in price. To respond to liquidity squeezes, investors should have a clear plan in place, which may involve stop-loss orders or other forms of risk management. The following checklist can help investors to respond to liquidity squeezes:

  1. Stay calm: Avoid making impulsive decisions based on emotions.
  2. Assess the situation: Evaluate the market conditions and the potential impact on the investor’s portfolio.
  3. Review the investment plan: Consider whether the investment plan is still aligned with the investor’s goals and risk tolerance.
  4. Take action: Implement the plan, which may involve selling assets or adjusting the portfolio.
Author

Ryan Bennett